Perennial of the year nominations are voted on by members of the Perennial Plant Association and generally need to satisfy the following criteria: Suitability for a wide range of climatic conditions, Low-maintenance requirements, Relative pest- and disease-resistance, Ready availability in the year of promotion, Multiple seasons of ornamental interest.
Planning a perennial border can be challenging. Base your choice of plants on the following elements:
Since most perennials only bloom for three weeks, on average, mix in some shrubs, hardy bulbs and annuals to provide a longer more consistent show of color.
Dividing and Moving Perennials
Most perennials benefit from division every two to four years. You'll know that a plant is ready to be divided if it dies out in the middle of the crown, begins to lose its vigor, starts to bloom poorly or becomes too large for its space.
The best time to divide and move perennials are in early spring when the new foliage reaches 2 to 3 inches high or in the fall when the foliage begins to wither.
Astilbe
Liriope
Goatsbeard